Booker, seen as the best chance for Democrats to challenge Christie, had flirted with the possibility of challenging the pugnacious governor. He said in November that he would make his decision known before Christmas.

“The governor’s [reelection] campaign is actively gearing up, no matter who the opponent turns out to be,” top Christie political adviser Bill Palatucci told POLITICO.

The mayor’s interest in making a run for the Senate hasn’t been a secret. In the summer of 2011, Booker formed a PAC to explore a run for the Senate. Booker’s decision was first reported by NBC 4 in New York.

The seat is currently held by Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who, despite being the oldest member of the Senate at 88 years old, has said he will seek reelection in 2014.

“As I explore a run for the United States Senate, I look forward to consulting with Senator Lautenberg,” Booker wrote. “During my lifetime, he has been one of New Jersey’s most important leaders. It would be a privilege to continue his great legacy of service.”

Lautenberg’s office opted not to respond directly to Booker’s announcement.

“Senator Lautenberg is focused on passing a critical disaster relief bill for New Jersey and addressing America’s broken gun laws,” spokesman Caley Gray said in a statement. “The last several months and weeks have been a painful time for New Jersey and America, and the Senator is working on the tough issues we face. This is not the time for political distractions and the Senator will address politics next year.”

Democrats in Washington were quick to praise Booker, but withheld support for a possible Senate run.

“He’s a very good man, he would be a good senator,” Reid said Thursday. “Of course we have to work out a few issues, but he would be a wonderful senator and he’s a great man.”

Reid aides said that the senator would back Lautenberg if he stays in the race.

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), who still has a lot of sway in Hudson County, declined to comment when asked about Booker’s announcement, saying instead that he’s focused on Hurricane Sandy aid.

If Booker does launch a primary campaign against Lautenberg, or if the aging senator retires, it could prompt more hopeful candidates to jump into the race, seeing it as a once-in-a-decade opportunity to move to the Senate.

Lautenberg has already retired from the Senate once.

He was first elected to the Senate in 1982. In 2000, Lautenberg retired from the Senate and Jon Corzine, who would go on to serve one term as governor, was elected to replace him.

But a year later, former Democrat Sen. Robert Torricelli had managed to secure the nomination for reelection, but facing corruption charges and an uphill battle, Lautenberg was tapped to replace him on the ballot. Lautenberg easily won reelection in 2008.

New Jersey Democrats have been murmuring for years now that Lautenberg could retire again. But most will only do so privately, fearful that saying so publicly would push him to stay in the race.

A Lautenberg vs. Booker primary battle would likely be expensive.

Lautenberg is one of the most wealthy members of the Senate and has been campaigning and fundraising for decades now.

Booker, who has gained national prominence as a rising star in the Democratic Party, has also proven to be a prolific fundraiser. He boasts more than 1.3 million Twitter followers.

He maintained close ties with Wall Street donors, even after those same donors largely left the Democratic Party, which could open more sources of revenue.

Without Booker in the race, the chances of a Democrat besting Christie in November are less likely. The tenacious governor is riding a wave of goodwill and high popularity after Hurricane Sandy.

Readers' Comments (1)

“Lautenberg was tapped to Unconstitutionally replace him on the ballot”

There fixed it, since he was tapped THIRTY days before the elections, when OUR CONSTITUTION says 45 days is the cut-off point. BUT, as of dear SCONJ has in the past, has said, yes it is not constitutional but we will allow it THIS TIME (remember McGreevy did unconstitutionally add debt but was given an ok dokay from SCONJ).

Now, Corey, the Senate is best for you, since it takes no executive abilities, since we have seen what your lack of executive abilities have done to Newark…(btw corey, when will Newark PAY IT’S FAIR SHARE?, why does 80% of my property taxes, 45 miles outside of Newark pay for YOUR CITY?) Kind of like what we have been experiencing these last few years in the WH.